April is Autism Awareness Month
Do you have a child with autism? Or do you know a family who does? “Autism is the fastest growing disability in the United States, and the numbers are increasing around the world,” says Joni Eareckson Tada. As the numbers increase, so does the need for individuals and churches who are equipped to reach out to children with autism and their families. Is your church ready to embrace families with autism? Joni and Friends’ television episode, Making Sense of Autism, is a great resource to get you started. Available online or on DVD, this informative 2-part episode is easy to share with friends, family members, and churches. Part 1 introduces the challenges of daily life for families with an autistic child and addresses the misconceptions and falsehoods surrounding autism. Part 2 reveals feelings of fear, frustration, and isolation so often felt by these families and provides ideas for ways the church can embrace and include them in the body of Christ. This month, discover what these families need most from the church – as well as the blessings that come from including every person in the body of Christ.
